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WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference
Type: WITEA clear filter
Saturday, August 1
 

1:00pm PDT

WITEA Board Meeting
Saturday August 1, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Meeting Room # 2

Saturday August 1, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Meeting Room # 2
  WITEA
 
Sunday, August 2
 

1:00pm PDT

Ignite Learning with Laser Precision: Empowering Classrooms with xTool P2S
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 3
In this session, we will demo the P2S 55W Desktop CO2 Laser Cutter. We will also compare the P2S with the latest model P3. Bring a file (SVG/DXF/JPG/JPEG/PNG/BMP/TIF) to see if you are chosen as a demo for either laser cutting or laser engraving in this session.
Speakers
avatar for Faith Taylor

Faith Taylor

Educational Consultant, Southern Educational Consulting and Training
Faith Taylor is an educational consultant at Southern Educational Consulting and Training. At Southern Educational Consulting & Training, our focus is on providing access to world-class educational technology in the areas of automated manufacturing, industrial maintenance, engineering... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 3
  WITEA

1:00pm PDT

From Basic Circuits to Industrial Automation: Building Student Skills Through Hands-On Learning
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Terrace East
This hands-on session demonstrates how basic electrical circuit concepts can grow into advanced industrial automation skills. Participants will explore foundational topics including DC circuits, switches, relays, relay logic, and basic wiring techniques using EIT training systems. The session will then connect these core concepts to more advanced technologies through live PLC and stoplight control demonstrations, helping educators see clear pathways from introductory electrical instruction to modern industrial controls and automation.
Speakers
avatar for Ben Hamlett

Ben Hamlett

Owner, Desert Manufacturing
Ben Hamlett is the owner of Desert Manufacturing in Buhl, Idaho, where he designs and builds hands-on electrical, electronics, automation, and industrial training systems for schools and industry. He also serves as a Distinguished Professor and Automation Engineering program coordinator at a community college in Idaho, teaching... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Terrace East Second Floor Davenport Grand
  WITEA

3:00pm PDT

Future‑Ready STEM Starts Here: Why PLTW Leads the Way
Sunday August 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 4
Collaborate and learn why Project Lead The Way remains the top choice for engaging students in STEM through engineering, biomedical science, and computer science pathways. Explore new courses—Advanced Manufacturing, Building for the Future & Skilled Trades, and Principles of AI. Discover how PLTW prepares students with industry credentials and college credit opportunities. Hear from WA PLTW teachers and CTE Directors and learn about grants to launch or expand programs. Let’s build future‑ready STEM pathways that actually stick!
Speakers
avatar for Diane Lashinsky

Diane Lashinsky

Director of School Success, Project Lead The Way
Diane Lashinsky is the PLTW Director of School Success in WA State.  Diane has 30-years of experience in K-12 education as a teacher and administrator and has been working with Project Lead The Way for 10 years.  Her primary role is to advise and support WA school districts and... Read More →
Sunday August 2, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 4
  WITEA, STEM

6:30pm PDT

WITEA Member Social
Sunday August 2, 2026 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
FlatStick Pub

Speakers
avatar for Cheyenne LaViolette

Cheyenne LaViolette

Student Television Network, Student Television Network
Cheyenne LaViolette is in her 7th year teaching at Hanford High School in Richland,  Washington.  She teaches a variety of filmmaking and broadcasting classes to grades 9 through 12.  Cheyenne is the past president of WITEA.  She was awarded New Teacher of the Year for WASTS... Read More →
MS
Sunday August 2, 2026 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
FlatStick Pub 618 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
  WITEA
 
Monday, August 3
 

1:00pm PDT

Robotics! Mechatronics!
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 5
TBD
Speakers
avatar for Faith Taylor

Faith Taylor

Educational Consultant, Southern Educational Consulting and Training
Faith Taylor is an educational consultant at Southern Educational Consulting and Training. At Southern Educational Consulting & Training, our focus is on providing access to world-class educational technology in the areas of automated manufacturing, industrial maintenance, engineering... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 5
  WITEA

1:00pm PDT

Too Hot for Silos: Turning Up the Heat on STEM Integration
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Birch Ballroom
 Review the basics of developing a successful course framework, then explore ways to integrate STEM content into your CTE courses. Silos are out; and integrated learning is heating up. This session explores how districts and educators can move beyond isolated STEM instruction to build cohesive, cross-disciplinary frameworks that reflect real-world problem solving. Participants will dig into practical strategies for embedding STEM across content areas, aligning with standards, and creating authentic, engaging learning experiences for students. Bring a current course, program, or district framework and use guided work time to identify integration opportunities and begin mapping out next steps. Walk away with practical tools, real examples, and a renewed urgency to break down barriers and turn up the heat on meaningful STEM integration.
Speakers
avatar for Megan Benzing

Megan Benzing

CTE Program Supervisor, OSPI
Megan Benzing is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program Supervisor at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), leading statewide efforts in construction, manufacturing, supply chain, and transportation pathways. She began her career in the classroom... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Birch Ballroom
  WITEA

2:00pm PDT

Work Shop Maintenance & Safety Training
Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
Power Tool Repair Services is a factory-authorized provider of industrial power tool repair, preventative maintenance, CTE shop assessments, and shop renovation services for schools across Washington State.


PTRS helps Career and Technical Education programs maintain safe, functional, instruction-ready shop environments through onsite repairs, safety assessments, equipment maintenance, STEM tool support, dust collection improvements, workflow upgrades, and custom shop renovations aligned with Washington safety and compliance standards.


• Overview of PTRS Mobile Services
• Review of Tool Maintenance & Repair
• Importance of Safety & Code Compliance
• Shop Cleanliness and Organization
• Monthly Inspection Form, Proactive Shop Awareness
• PTRS Annual Service & CTE Assessments
Speakers
avatar for Morgan J Richards

Morgan J Richards

Journeyman Millwright, Power Tool Repair Services
Power Tool Repair Services is a factory-authorized service provider specializing in industrial power tool repair, preventative maintenance, CTE shop assessments, and shop renovation services. Serving schools across Washington State, PTRS helps Career and Technical Education programs maintain safe, functional... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WITEA

4:00pm PDT

Industry 4.0 Credentials for Engineering, Manufacturing, Automation, & Robotics
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 3
From the first industrial revolution to today's Industry 4.0, manufacturing has transformed, and our CTE programs must evolve to keep pace. Drawing on ten years as an Advanced Manufacturing Instructor, I'll share real classroom experiences building and growing programs that prepare students for modern industry. Learn how I implemented nationally recognized industry credentials across engineering, manufacturing, automation, and robotics pathways, giving students workforce-ready skills employers demand. Whether you're launching or expanding a program, I'll provide practical guidance to bring these credentials into your own classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Alex Bechtler

Alex Bechtler

K-12 Division Manager, Klein Educational Systems
Alex Bechtler is the Division Manager for K‑12 Programs at Klein Educational Systems and a recognized leader in advanced manufacturing and automation education. His work focuses on developing industry‑aligned training programs that prepare students for careers in modern automated... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Meeting Room # 3
  WITEA

4:00pm PDT

Skate4Concrete Certification an Example of Implementation
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Meeting Room #10
This presentation will review the Skate4Concrete Certification and share an example(s) of how it was implemented in the classroom within Washington Schools.  Teachers will share their experience and provide insight on how best to utilize the program within the classroom.  We will also cover the Statewide MiniConcrete Skatepark Competition for the 2026/27 School Year to be hosted by the Washington Aggregates and Concrete Association (WACA).
Speakers
avatar for Crystal Howard

Crystal Howard

Executive Director, Project Cornerstone
Crystal Howard is the Executive Director of Project Cornerstone and creator of the Skate4Concrete Certification.  All Skate4Concrete programs are part of the Project Cornerstone education and workforce development umbrella.  Ms. Howard has been in the concrete and construction materials... Read More →
Monday August 3, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT
Meeting Room #10 Second Floor Davenport Grand
  WITEA
 
Tuesday, August 4
 

9:00am PDT

Equity at Sea: Expanding Access to Maritime Career and Technical Education Through Strategic Partnerships
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
This session highlights a proven, strategic model for expanding access to high-quality Maritime Career and Technical Education (CTE) experiences for underrepresented youth. Through the “Equity at Sea” program at Sound Experience, students engage in immersive, hands-on maritime learning that integrates STEM, environmental science, and workforce development aboard the historic schooner Adventuress.Participants will explore how strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, workforce agencies, and schools can reduce barriers to participation and create meaningful pathways into maritime and environmental careers. This session will provide practical strategies for designing inclusive Maritime CTE programs, building sustainable partnerships, and aligning experiential learning with High School and Beyond Plans.Attendees will leave with actionable frameworks to replicate similar access-driven, maritime career-connected learning opportunities.
Speakers
avatar for Richard Lauridsen

Richard Lauridsen

Partnership Director, Sound Experience
As Partnership Director for Sound Experience and the historic schooner Adventuress, Richard collaborates with schools, community nonprofits, local governments, workforce organizations and tribal organizations to design inclusive, mission-aligned programs across the Salish Sea. His work focuses on expanding access to maritime education and creating pathways for... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WITEA, STEM

10:00am PDT

From Blank Framework to Standards-Aligned Framework: Using AI in CTE
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
Learn how to leverage both free and paid AI tools to move from a blank framework to a fully developed, standards-aligned CTE framework with greater speed, consistency, and confidence. This hands-on session shares real prompts, workflows, and strategies for framework writing, pathway alignment, curriculum development, and program planning while maintaining alignment to state standards and workforce needs. These same strategies have also supported grant writing and program expansion efforts. Be sure to bring a device for guided, real-time application.
Speakers
avatar for Scott Sandberg

Scott Sandberg

CTE Coordinator, Ephrata School District
Scott Sandberg is a CTE Coordinator and Business, Technology and Engineering teacher in Ephrata School District. A PLTW Master Teacher and AI Certified educator, he collaborates with OSPI, PLTW, and education and industry stakeholders to develop scalable, standards-aligned CTE frameworks... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WITEA

11:00am PDT

Upskilling Your Students and Learning Stipends
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room #10
Future jobs and careers for our CTE students is a concern for every district. Help your students gain essential skills to enter and transition to today’s workforce in careers that are changing and challenging with technological advances. Funding is available now that enable students to take courses and certifications that will lead them to industry recognized certifications and entry level jobs, internships and apprenticeships. Students deserve opportunities beyond what is often feasible for each district and this session will discuss federal initiatives that help students throughout the country. The convergence of industry partnerships and how funds are available will be discussed.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Ranucci, Ph.D.

Jill Ranucci, Ph.D.

CTE Consultant, Jill Ranucci, Ph.D., CTE Consultant
Dr. Jill Ranucci is a College and Career Readiness advocate and has an extensive background in Career and Technical Education (CTE) as an administrator and teacher. Dr. Ranucci has held district positions in CTE in Arizona and Texas. Jill consults for several companies to help them... Read More →
Tuesday August 4, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room #10 Second Floor Davenport Grand
  WITEA, .
 
Wednesday, August 5
 

10:00am PDT

From BACE to Beyond: Industry-Aligned Biotech Credentials to Strengthen Career Pathways
Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
The Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) serves as a base, with a framework supported by bioscience industry standards for career-ready talent. Building on the validated BACE credential, new credentials aligned with high-demand workforce needs have been developed to expand bioscience career options. This session will share credential design strategies and provide industry insights on technician-level talent. We invite educators, administrators, counselors, and industry partners to explore how industry hiring needs and credentialing models intersect to shape career pathway ecosystems.
Speakers
avatar for Tamara Mandell

Tamara Mandell

Director, University of Florida, Biotility
Tamara Mandell, M.Ed., serves as Director of Biotility at the University of Florida (UF Biotility), where she leads national efforts to build a skilled, future ready bioscience workforce. Applying more than a decade of combined academic research and industrial biotechnology experience... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 1
  WITEA

11:00am PDT

REVIT: Preparing Students for the Clean‑Energy Workforce
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 4
This session explores the development of the Renewable Energy Vehicle and Infrastructure Technician (REVIT) program, a future‑ready clean energy pathway co‑designed with industry and educators to prepare students for careers in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, and sustainable infrastructure. Learn how REVIT blends project‑based learning, NGSS, and CTE standards to create a coherent, multi‑credit sequence that builds real‑world problem‑solving and workforce skills. Participants will leave with curriculum, resources, and practical insights to adapt this work in their own contexts.
Speakers
avatar for Hanna Jaramillo

Hanna Jaramillo

Career-Connected STEM Education Designer & Consultant, Teater-Crocker
Hanna Jaramillo has deep experience as a Teaching and Learning Associate Director and secondary teacher. This is the foundation of her work designing equitable, future-ready learning experiences. Her work centers on empowering educators, aligning curricula with standards and sustainability... Read More →
Wednesday August 5, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Meeting Room # 4
  WITEA, STEM
 
WA-ACTE 2026 Summer Conference
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Saturday, August 1
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Birch Ballroom
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Daveport Grand Lobby
FlatStick Pub
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